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Kelly

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Posts posted by Kelly

    Newby needs help with parameters

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Thanks for all of the info.  I found something I could use in every response.  For instance, I am rinsing my API test tubes in tap water only.  I will follow the advice of rinsing them in tank water after I rinse them in tap water.

    I will be using my Tetra Easy Strips only to see if there are big fluctuations, and rely on API Test Kit for more accurate levels.  

    I will hold off on the water change I was planning today and let my filter continue to cycle while monitoring the water.

    As always, I so appreciate all of you.  I would be lost without this Forum .

    • Like 4

    Newby needs help with parameters

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    I am confused when reading the results of my testing kit.  My API reads as follows (remember, I don't think it is done cycling) PH 7.4, PH high range 8.4,  AMMONIA .20, NITRITE 2.0, NITRATE 5.0.   

    MY TEST STRIPS:  PH 7.2, CLORINE 0, HARDNESS 300, NITRITE 10, NITRATE 20,  AMMONIA 0.

    I tested twice with API.  I'm not sure how to compare the two or if it is even necessary.   I am really confused about API high range ph ( it has never been that high) and nitrites and nitrates.   Should I do a water change or wait and let it continue to cycle?  

    My betta seems to be very happy.  I would like to add 6 cherry barbs but hesitate to do anything until I can make sense of my testing.

    Python water changer (when it doesn't fit your faucets)

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    I noticed posts of folks having trouble with the Python water changer not fitting any faucets in their home.  I had the same problem and tried several different attachments.  None worked.  I finally found a device on Amazon that works like a charm.  The DaMohony Kitchen Pipe Connector is a universal water tap Connector.   Every faucet we have is different and this fits them all.  You don't have to unscrew anything just pop it on.  Runs about $11.99 on Amazon. 

    • Like 3

    NEWBY. AM I READY FOR FISH

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Thank you all that responded to my post "newby am I ready for fish"  I am so grateful for all of the info I got.

    I followed the advice I received and let the tank do it's thing and what do you know it finally cleared up and my parameters are good.  I did buy my Betta 4 days ago and he appears to be very happy.  He thinks I dumped him into the ocean (20 gal tank).  I bought several different types of food for him and he readily eats any thing I feed him.  I feed him every morning around 7:30 and give him a snack at around 6:30 or 7:00.  I feed him just a really small pinch.  What are your thoughts on how I'm feeding.  I don't want to overfeed.  I use a ring at the top to keep food in place.  He is the only fish so far, but plan on adding 6 cherry barbs in about another week.  Look forward to any comments.  I sincerely appreciate the help everyone gave.  I was about to give up.  The best advice I got was to grow an enormous amount of PATIENCE.   I was fussing way to much.

    20201015_140343.jpg

    • Thanks 1

    NEWBY. AM I READY FOR FISH

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    I am so grateful for all of the input i am getting.   You all have explained this so very well.  I am again excited about starting my new tank.  I was so frustrated.

    When i first started my tank, I used Seachem prime and Stability.  I have continued to add both periodically, I thought that would be enough.  But, nothing changed much. 

    I ordered some ammonia chloride this morning.  It will be here tomarrow.   I will start adding that and more Stability and watch  my parameters .

    I have printed out your recommendations and will follow them closely.

    Again thank you so much

    • Like 1

    NEWBY. AM I READY FOR FISH

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    I have my first tank set up (20gal) and have been testing the water at least once a week for about a month.  Ph 7.6/ PH HI RANGE 8 / AMMONIA 0 / NITRATE2  0/ NITRATE3 0.  I'm still having trouble digesting these parameters.  I sort of understand what they mean, but it seems to be different for different fish.  I just want to know if i am ready for fish.  The plan is 1 male betta, 10 celestial pearl danios, 4 panda cories and 2 nerite snails.  Maybe a few cherry shrimp (maybe).   I'm confused about the nitrate3, shouldn't it be higher?  Or does that come after adding fish?  I have added the bacteria as instructed but the parameters have not changed.  

    Am I ready??!!  Thanks for your comments

    20200925_075133.jpg

    QUARANTINE

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Thank you.  I'm thinking the same thing. Especially if I get them all at the same place.  It is not a huge investment and I don't plan on adding fish after my initial purchase nor am I interested in breeding. 

    QUARANTINE

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    if you absolutely and positively have no room for a quarantine tank (for example a school dorm) what can you do to keep your losses at a minimum? 20 gal tank.  Planning on 8 scooling fish, a betta, 2 nerite snails, a few algae eaters and maybe red shrimp.

    Will schooling fish stay pure?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    7 hours ago, Brian Scott said:

    Sure thing.  I think you'll find smaller schooling species, like white cloud mountain minnows and maybe a smaller species of Danio to be really great.....especially if you don't have a heater or just like to keep the tank on the cooler side.  If you keep the tank warm, then maybe a couple species of the smaller tetras would be nice....like glow light tetras, neons, or even cardinal tetras if your water conditions are suitable. In lieu of a wide variety of fishes, I really think more specimens of fewer species is the way to go.  Either way, good luck!

    Really appreciate your input.   So much to think about.

    • Like 1

    Fish mates?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    I haven't purchased a betta yet.  Sounds like I had better wait and see what its temperament is.  But i am glad to hear that the honey gourami isn't going to be aggressive.   I would love to have that color in my tank.  Thanks for your info.

    Fish food

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    thanks Cory.  I rely heavily on your advise.   I guess I am still a little confused about a daily feeding schedule.  Dry food everyday? Live food every week and how many times a day?

    As you probably know I am new to aquarium life and also to your forum.  I guess I messed up when I ask for a recommendation on buying fish on line, for which I humbly apologize for.  I also feel bad about the person who responded. Got him into trouble too.  

    I am so happy to have this forum and will do my very best to watch what I post in the future.

    HELP FOR A NEWBY

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Thank you so much for your input.  I found it very beneficial and will follow thru with your advice.  I especially appreciate your comment on the water temp.  I have been working and worrying with this tank for over a month and thru this Forum I'm learning that things don't have to be perfect to keep fish.  I need to relax and enjoy.  Thanks again

    • Like 1
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